"I'm not fucking drunk..." - Indicates someone speaking
"I'm not hallucinating, I am not hallucinating." - Indicates someone speaking in their thoughts
"You're shelling out fucking position, Orobachi!" - Indicates someone using the radio or communication through frequency
[You are banned from admin privileges] - Chat box or comment section
{Random bullshit go!} - Indicates someone casting a spell or a chant
"I see, so we're facing off a bunch of aliens. Well! As a welcome gift we will give them FREEDOM!" - Indicates someone speaking in spectator mode
«Spawn_Leopard_2a7» - A server command or someone spawning an item through key commands
‹Boom!›/‹Punch!› - Sound effects and actions of the person
"A user has joined the server" - Server voice
"Seriously, I'm not mad that I died. I'm just confused how do we enforce a family friendly environment in the Coalition?" - Swedish Player
As the sun rose on a new day, Taijo and a group of rested Asian Players prepared for the significant task ahead. The echoes of their previous encounter still lingered, but Taijo's demeanor had shifted, a subtle change noted by those around him.
The morning air carried a sense of anticipation as Taijo oversaw the preparations near the GATE's entrance. Five sleek, black-armored SUVs lined up, ready to embark on a journey that would bridge two worlds.
"So, you really are going to bring them. I would've thought that you would just refuse them immediately because you change your mind, but I guess not. You are confusing to be with, Taijo..." Seiko's voice carried a hint of curiosity and amusement as he conversed with Taijo in Japanese, observing the scene before them.
"Shush, I want to see what culture shock looks like in medieval times." Taijo retorted with a playful smirk, his eyes glinting with a mix of curiosity and determination.
"Alright...!" Seiko exclaimed, conjuring a clipboard seemingly out of thin air. "People that will be coming with... Countess Myui, Persia, and Mamina. Reason: Visit a Prisoner of War, which is her father. Tuka, Lelei, Rory, and Kavrala. Reason: cultural trip or something... Piña and Bozes..."
"Hey, did you write this?" Seiko glanced at the clipboard, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes..." Taijo admitted
"It looks like it is written by a lazy person. Like you!" Seiko teased, a playful smirk on his face. "Well, at least you are doing this out of curiosity about what the AIs can do when faced with a different culture and technology." ZeroSeiko added with a chuckle.
"I assure you. They'll be shocked when they see the first skyscraper they've ever faced. Hell, if it were nighttime, Ginza would light up." Taijo remarked to Seiko
"Alright, this'll be the route of the map I'll be giving you," Seiko explained, gesturing towards a detailed map spread out before them. "Every district has at least one special forces unit protecting you. If you guys get to the Airport, there would be at least 8 or more fighter jets escorting you. They won't be near you but they'll definitely see you. Just to avoid making our guests too uncomfortable."
"As for the arrival at a meeting place. You and the girls will be separated due to them not understanding the purpose of our meeting. But don't worry, the meeting you requested will depend on how long you'd like."
"Also, after the meeting, you will go to Altis, and we've set a bunch of bots to simulate modern warfare ambush scenarios. It's to give them a taste of what modern warfare is like."
"I think that wraps up everything you requested." ZeroSeiko concluded, ensuring that every detail was accounted for in their guests' experience.
Taijo nodded absently as he scrolled through YouTube shorts on his phone, engrossed in the snippets of entertainment. Seiko, noticing the screen, chimed in with interest.
"Lemme watch with you." Seiko interjected, leaning in to get a better view. "Scroll up..." he muttered, guiding Taijo's scrolling motion.
As they scrolled through various videos, a familiar scene caught their attention - Womble and Cyanide interacting with Princess Piña, Bozes, and the rest of the girls.
Taijo pocketed his phone, signaling Womble to take charge of Princess Piña and Bozes, directing them to the middle car of the convoy. Turning to Seiko, Taijo issued further instructions.
"Let Kavrala, Tuka, Lelei, and Rory know they'll ride in the second car." Taijo instructed, orchestrating the seating arrangements for the journey ahead.
The luggage belonging to Piña and Bozes was minimal, easily accommodated within the SUV. However, Lelei's staff took up considerable space in the back storage area, necessitating some adjustments. Rory's halberd posed another challenge, perched securely atop the vehicle until Taijo intervened, summoning Rodry to address the issue. Rodry, initially puzzled, quickly grasped the significance and expertly fixed Rory's halberd, ensuring it was secure for the journey.
With everything in place, engines roared to life in a synchronized symphony of power. Taijo took the wheel of the lead SUV, with Piña and Bozes beside him. Womble and Cyanide joined in another SUV, accompanying the four girls comfortably settled inside. Then finally, Myui and her two maids on the secodn to the last SUV just behind Taijo's
As the convoy approached the GATE, it came to a temporary halt for security checks, a routine procedure that ensured everything was in order before crossing. With the guards' clearance, the convoy resumed its journey, entering the enigmatic realm beyond the GATE.
Inside the GATE, darkness enveloped the surroundings, with only the vehicle headlights piercing through the blackness, illuminating a limited area ahead. The Players, accustomed to such conditions, remained reassured by the straight path ahead, minimizing any concerns of veering off course.
The drive through the GATE was brief, a mere 20-minute journey shrouded in darkness until a sudden burst of brightness ahead signaled their arrival. Gasps and exclamations filled the air as the convoy emerged into a brilliantly illuminated area beyond the GATE.
"Whoa..." The awe-struck reactions echoed among those originally from the other side, marveling at the sudden transformation from darkness to light.
Taijo, sensing the need for a break and perhaps some business to attend to, directed everyone to disembark and enjoy the fresh air. He indicated that he had matters to attend to in a nearby building, prompting curious glances and anticipation among the group.
As everyone stepped out of the vehicles, their senses were immediately overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of the modern world beyond the GATE. Skyscrapers loomed overhead, billboards flashed vibrant advertisements, and the bustling cityscape buzzed with activity.
The sudden appearance of a majestic flame dragon soaring through the sky drew startled reactions from Piña, Bozes, and even Tuka, whose initial panic threatened to escalate into a full-blown episode.
"That was a flame dragon?!" Piña's astonishment was palpable in her voice.
"At a time like this, a flame dragon appeared?!" Bozes echoed the sentiment, her tone tinged with panic.
Tuka, her past traumas threatening to resurface, began to show signs of distress until Taijo's authoritative voice cut through the tension.
"Everyone, don't worry, that thing is friendly, I assure you. This is a normal occurrence." Taijo's assurance rang out, his tone firm and confident despite the unusual sight.
"Normal? You call this normal?!" Piña's disbelief was evident in her tone as she questioned Taijo's definition of normalcy, still reeling from the shock of the flame dragon's appearance.
As tension mounted, a figure approached—a soldier-like presence without a username, unmistakably a dragonewt in appearance. The sudden interaction between the dragonewt and the flame dragon heightened the group's apprehension.
"It's coming this way!" Kavrala's alertness added to the sense of urgency as the majestic creature descended, its large form casting an imposing yet awe-inspiring presence.
With a graceful landing, the dragon revealed its stunning features, boasting scales of deep blue and a mane that shimmered like the sky itself. The group stood in awe, their initial fear giving way to wonder at the sight before them.
To the astonishment of the natives, the dragon stood peacefully in front of them, making no aggressive moves. It was a moment of suspended disbelief until the dragonewt's scolding broke the silence.
"Du Dummkopf! Erscheinen Sie nicht einfach so und erschrecken Sie den besonderen Gast! Es ist unhöflich!" The dragonewt's German reprimand echoed through the air, its tone scolding yet comically contrasting with the majestic creature it addressed. The dragon, in response, seemed to shrink slightly, adopting a demeanor reminiscent of a scolded puppy. (Translate - You fool! Don't just appear and scare the special guest like that! It's rude!)
The unexpected scolding and the dragon's reaction left the onlookers in a mix of surprise and amusement, as they witnessed a unique display of communication between two extraordinary beings.
"Look, just trust me on this. It's all part of the routine." Taijo reassured as he approached the dragonewt, noticing the emblem of Clan Drago-All and an Austrian flag on the soldier's left arm.
"Tell your dragon to take off. We have guests who aren't too keen on large dragons around." Taijo instructed the Austrian soldier.
"Jawohl." the Austrian soldier replied in German, commanding his dragon to take flight. The soldier followed suit, soaring off into the sky.
As the dragon and the Austrian Dragonewt flew off, Taijo turned back to address everyone.
"It would be a bit rude of me not to introduce you to the splendid capital city of my homeland." Taijo announced proudly, clearing his throat before continuing.
"WELCOME TO NEO TOKYO!!!"
Taijo raised both arms enthusiastically, aiming to make the visitors feel at home.
"As for myself, I have some urgent business to attend to in that building. It won't take long, I assure you." Daizuke Taijo said as he entered the building. "Womble try to entertain them for me."
"Sure, Sure..." SovietWomble replied
As DaizukeTaijo entered the building, the group of visitors from beyond the gate stood in awe of the breathtaking scenery that Neo Tokyo unveiled before them. The futuristic cityscape loomed with towering skyscrapers that seemed to touch the heavens, their glass surfaces reflecting the vibrant energy of the city. Bright and captivating advertisement billboards adorned the buildings, showcasing a blend of modern commerce and artistic flair.
The essence of Neo Tokyo was a fusion of reality and virtuality, mirroring the spirit of the game's server while retaining the real-world charm of Tokyo. Anime characters danced across screens, and game promotions lit up the night with colorful displays, adding a whimsical touch to the urban landscape. The visitors couldn't help but marvel at the seamless integration of technology and culture that Neo Tokyo embodied.
The bustling streets below echoed with the sounds of laughter, chatter, and the occasional hum of futuristic vehicles gliding by. It was a sensory overload of sights and sounds, each moment alive with the pulse of a city that never slept. The group soaked in the atmosphere, their initial discomfort now replaced with curiosity and excitement as they navigated this captivating metropolis alongside their host, DaizukeTaijo.
Princess Piña and Bozes, with their keen eye for detail and military expertise, couldn't help but notice the striking differences in the guards' uniforms around the gate compared to those on the other side. The guards were clad from head to toe in heavily equipped gear, leaving no skin exposed, indicating a high level of security awareness.
Upon closer inspection, Piña and Bozes identified the advanced armor worn by the guards. They were equipped with Level 6 body armor and Level 5 helmets, some of which were fitted with Level 5 glass visors for additional protection. These were top-of-the-line defensive measures, clearly indicating that security was a top priority.
The majority of guards carried highly modified M4a3 Assault Rifles chambered in 5.56x45 M995 bullets, showcasing a deliberate choice of weaponry optimized for accuracy and stopping power. Additionally, some guards were armed with Battle Rifles, adding a layer of versatility to their defensive capabilities.
"Tai certainly didn't overlook security." SovietWomble muttered appreciatively, acknowledging the meticulous attention to detail in the guards' preparation.
Cyanide nodded in agreement, adding, "True, given Japan's approach to security and technology, it's no surprise. I imagine the security response would be equally robust if the GATE appeared in the UK or any other developed nation." The conversation highlighted not just the preparedness of the guards but also the understanding of cultural and strategic differences in handling such extraordinary situations.
[ClanZakishi] Zero_Seiko: [I think he went a little overboard with the security.]
Seiko somehow appeared in the chat, his translucent form visible only to Players, catching Womble's attention.
[ClanDrago-All] Rodry_Mercury: [There's no such thing as overboard. In fact, we could use another tank!]
[ClanBlackFlames] DaizukeTaijo: [I can fucking see everything, you know?]
[ClanZF] SovietWomble: [Hurry up!]
Minutes later, DaizukeTaijo got out of the building
"So I did my business and now we can continue our journey." Taijo said as he gestured to everyone to get inside the armored SUVs
They all entered the vehicles and continued on their journey
Meanwhile, Piña, at the back of the SUV, she is looking outside gathering her thoughts
"What did the soldiers feel when they saw all this? Buildings almost reaching the heavens. Bright moving pictures of sorts. And the diversity of races here."
"I grieve for the future of the empire that is waging a war against not a nation that can construct these majestic structures but also others who are allied with this very nation. Just how strong this country of "Japan" is?!"
The entrance gate opened and the soldiers signaled the drivers of the SUV that they are clear to move on to the desognated destination
More culture shock happens when the natives beyond the GATE started to be amazed. Not just the buildings but also the civilians. There were a diverse range of non-human races such as Beastfolk, Demi-Humans, even Elves and Dwarvesare living in harmony. Such a sight is not common yet not rare in their world in the Special Region.
Also, another feature for the SUVs is that ceiling window or a sunroof. They looked up and saw several dragons and wyverns but mostly dragons
Piña's stomach churned slightly at the sight of the dragons flying above them. She couldn't help but feel apprehensive about the thought of facing such formidable creatures with her empire's army. As six dragons passed by, one with two heads, her concern deepened.
Turning to Taijo, Piña voiced her question, her voice wavering slightly with unease. "C-Can you explain the... uh... the significant number of dragons flying above us?"
Bozes, sharing Piña's curiosity and discomfort, added her voice to the inquiry. "Yes, I too am curious about this..."
Taijo glanced up as the convoy came to a stop at a red light, taking a moment to gather his thoughts before responding. "Ah... Those creatures. Yes, in this world, dragons are quite different. You're familiar with the concept of 'domestication,' right? Well, here, dragons are domesticated to some extent, although there are still wild ones out there. Fortunately, they tend to behave well."
"As for their role in society, think of them as living helicopters or planes. They're used for transportation and various other tasks," Taijo explained, his tone matter-of-fact. "But if you're wondering about their combat capabilities, let's just say that if someone were foolish enough to use them for criminal activities, they'd quickly find themselves facing off against jet fighters. Technology here is far more advanced than magic, although there are still some magical practices that remain useful. Lighting a bonfire, for example." he added with a faint smile.
Piña's curiosity extended to the realm of magic, prompting her to inquire further as the convoy resumed its journey with the green light.
"In terms of magic, I know you still utilize it. I've witnessed your prowess in battle. But I'm intrigued by the other aspects of magic in this world." Piña expressed, her interest evident in her tone.
Taijo nodded, appreciating Piña's curiosity. "Indeed, magic still plays a significant role in our society." he began, offering a glimpse into the intricacies of magic within their world. "Aside from simple tasks like lighting a bonfire, the area where magic truly excels is in offensive capabilities."
He continued, providing a brief overview of the server's lore, a comprehensive account that he planned to share with everyone in the coming months. "In the early days, magic was even integrated into our military vehicles. However, as time progressed, engineers and innovators realized the logistical challenges of incorporating magic individually. This realization paved the way for the rapid advancement of technology and science."
"And if I want to summarize in my own words, sorry if I sound rude. Basically military scientist and military engineers were too tired and also too lazy so they developed something that normal engineers can build." Taijo, nonchalantly said
"Also, another note. When I said Offensive Magic is the only thing we have that is "superior" in any way. We still have ways to screw them over again and again. So let's just say some person who has a hot temper but also has an affinity to Fire. And oh so he got drunk and tried to fight a person who has no affinity to magic, basically an ordinary person. BUT he has a gun license and experience and training to shoot a gun. Guess who'll win?" Taijo asked Piña
"Uhm..." Piña tried to formulate an answer. In her world, logically speaking, the fire affinity person would win but whe she heard the word "Gun" on the other person. She is struggling to find an answer until Taijo lets out a small sigh
"It depends how good the guy is with magic. If he were to be a professional, he would definitely win. But let us just say he just got out in a magical academy or what not. The one who will win is the person that has a gun. Sure he may have suffered 2nd to 3rd degree burns but it's slightly less painful when one of your organs gets shot. Heck, that mage would die if the person with the gun managed to hit him in the arteries."
Taijo finished his answer to Piña.
Piña and Bozes exchanged a bewildered glance. The chasm between the technological prowess they witnessed and their world's reliance on magic was unfathomably vast. If the scholars and wise men of their realm were to hear Taijo's bold assertions, they would undoubtedly scoff and dismiss them as fantastical. In their world, even the most advanced "technological" devices, such as ballistae and catapults, required magical energy to function.
The journey to the airport proceeded seamlessly, just as Taijo had anticipated. Upon arrival, they disembarked from their vehicles and were greeted by a contingent of security guards organized by Taijo. The scene inside the airport was astonishing. The world of the server seemed to pulse with life; NPCs moved with purpose, mimicking the behavior of real-world individuals. They checked luggage, issued boarding passes, and directed passengers with an efficiency that mirrored the bustling airports of Taijo's homeland.
The group were escorted to an area where they will board the Plane they will take from Tokyo to Berlin
"Hey Tai, I've seen the flight path and it says 17 hours in-game. How should we..." Womble was cut off
"I updated the server, you can make your character stay on the server. It's like in the form of sleeping, you know. Though the risk of your character getting killed is very high, at least the girls ain't wondering why one of us disappeared."
"Which means we can just sit, "fall asleep", then log off. 17 in-game hours is like 7 hours. Because of that. You brits will be nearing night time and me, a Japanese person will be nearing day-time. I checked my watch and it's already 4:30 in the morning." Taijo said to Womble which he just nods
Meanwhile, the girls were mesmerized by the sights outside the clear glass windows. Princess Piña and Bozes, though particularly captivated by the long row of spotless, crystal-clear glass, couldn't help but shift their focus to the world beyond it.
They gazed at the massive airplanes lined up on the tarmac, their eyes widening in awe. The aircraft closest to them was astonishingly large, its size dwarfing even the mightiest Flame Dragons from their world.
"A-Are we riding on that?" Piña asked nervously, her voice trembling slightly.
"Yes, specifically that one," Taijo confirmed with a reassuring smile. "It's going to be a full-day journey to Berlin, where the meeting will take place. But don't worry, the airplane staff will take care of all your necessities. The services are top-notch, as this plane is reserved for First Class passengers only. And, as a special note, this entire plane is at our disposal. Just to clarify, that thing isn't alive—not in the way you might think. Technically, one could say it's 'alive' in a mechanical sense, but we can skip the technicalities for now. I'll explain more during our flight to Berlin."
"May I ask..." the mage girl, Lelei, inquired, "where is this place called 'Berlin' located? It must be very far from here, isn't it?"
"Uhm. It's just..." Taijo tried to formulate an answer as he started mumbling, "...so kilometers in your world are called 'leagues,' and one league is equal to 1.6 kilometers as far as I know... (trying to calculate in his head)..."
"That would be 5,575 leagues from Tokyo to Berlin."
"EEEEEHHHHHH??!!" The girls were shocked at how far the distance was. Piña was also shocked. From what she knew, the horses in their world could go up to 48 kilometers, or 30 leagues by their measurement system, before getting tired.
The average horse rider or Saderan citizen who used horses for transportation traveled around 50 to 80 leagues (80 to 128 kilometers) each trip to another place.
That means they would have to travel a distance 1,000 times that of a horse?!
And they said it would take less than a day when they ride the giant thing outside?!
Piña was about to pass out from such bizarre information, and Bozes immediately moved behind Piña in case she did.
"Not to mention we are flying in a straight line without stopping unless something bad happens." Womble said to them.
The information given to the girls was mind-blowing. Traveling almost half of the globe in just under a day. Lelei, meanwhile, was more interested than shocked, but from an outside perspective, it was hard to tell which she was experiencing.
"Well, we'll have to get on now. The quicker we are, the faster our little tour is." Taijo signaled to the airport staff and security as they led them inside the large private jet.
As they all entered the jet via the sky bridge, the plane's staff warmly greeted the special guests and the Players. The staff led them to a designated area where they would be staying and receiving service. They instructed the girls to remain in their seats at all times unless they were in the air or had departed the airport.
Though the girls didn't fully understand most of what the flight attendants said about seatbelt safety and other protocols, Taijo and the other players translated it into simpler terms for them.
Now, they were all seated, and the pilot began announcing. Interestingly, the pilot was also a Player with the username [CouncilofMan, an avid DCS and MFS "enthusiast"
"Good Morning, ladies and gentlemen. This is your captain speaking. I'd like to welcome you aboard CPCASA or Civilian Players Coalition Air Service Airline flight 47, with service from Tokyo to Berlin."
"We're just about ready to depart, so please ensure that your seatbelts are fastened, your tray tables are stowed, and your seat backs are in their full upright position.Our flight time today will be approximately 17 hours without stopping, and we're expecting a smooth journey with clear skies."
"However, we do ask that you keep your seatbelt fastened whenever you're seated, in case of any unexpected turbulence. The weather at our destination is Partly Cloudy but it may start going mild raining as we arrived there, and we should be landing at approximately 6 PM - 9 PM. Our crew is here to ensure your flight is comfortable and enjoyable, so please don't hesitate to ask if you need anything. Thank you for choosing the Civilian Players Coalition Air Service Airline, and we wish you a pleasant and a very good flight."
The pilot announced in a softer tone as he ended the announcement
Then the plane's door closed, and the girls all looked outside, watching the sky bridge retract.
"I'm just gonna sleep, if you know what I mean..." Womble said to Taijo, putting on a sleep mask.
"[ZF]SovietWomble has disconnected from the server."
The plane started moving, prompting anxious faces and reactions from the girls, as they had never ridden anything like this before.
"As expected... I mean, they just jumped from the medieval ages to the 21st century. Of course, they are a bit afraid..." Taijo thought to himself as he looked out his window, watching a bunch of airport workers and some armed security guards standing nearby.
The plane started moving in reverse. The girls were still anxious, unsure if the ride was safe. A few minutes later, the plane began moving forward and started taxiing.
The plane taxied towards the runway, and the pilot announced again:
"Cabin crew, please prepare for departure. And to our lovely passengers, we are on the runway and about to take off. Please make sure your seatbelts are buckled up tightly. Once we take off and reach cruising altitude, you will be free to move around the cabin."
"As for our "new" fliers, there might be a change in air pressure. If you experience a popping sensation or feel slightly crushed, do not panic; it is normal for planes at higher altitudes to pressurize the cabin for safety reasons."
Piña looked at Taijo. "Uhm, what does he mean by a slightly crushing feeling or popping sensation in the ears?" she asked with worried eyes. Bozes and the other girls shared the same concern.
"Well, how should I explain this..." Taijo muttered. Just then, a comment popped up in his HUD:
[Sarichi778 has donated $20 and said: You went to the most prestigious university in Japan. Go explain to them what Hypoxia is XDXDXD]
Taijo chuckled softly at the comment and smiled at Piña. "Oh, it's time for me to go back to Uni, huh?" he thought to himself. He then said, "Well, after we go very, very high up into the sky, to the point where we're above the clouds, the 'pressure' inside the plane changes. But it's a helpful change because we don't want to pass out mid-flight."
"May I ask what pressure is?" Lelei, who was behind him, inquired.
"Bruh, I only graduated like 6th in Uni. How the fuck should I know?" Taijo muttered. "I'm no smart person here. Maybe you can ask Seiko once we're done with this. He graduated early and is positioned above me."
"Graduated?" Lelei was not confused but intrigued. In her world, education signified wealth, nobility, and scholarly status, akin to the eras of Before Christ or Anno Domini, perhaps medieval times.
Taijo and the rest of the Players knew that school was accessible to everyone in their world, and almost every player and AI soldier was literate. They couldn't imagine a scenario where education was not restricted to the poor
The plane then started accelerating, much to the surprise and shock of the girls. The plane picked up speed unimaginable to them, and they saw themselves starting to leave the ground.
The loud rumbling of the engine echoed inside in a muffled manner. The girls watched as they climbed rapidly, finding themselves several hundred feet above the ground.
The plane started flying smoothly. About a minute later, the pilot announced:
"You are now free to roam around the plane as we are now at cruising altitude. Feel free to ask the lovely flight attendants for assistance."
The girls saw Taijo unbuckling his seatbelt and standing up to stretch.
"Ooyah!" Taijo stretched his body and went to the flight attendant to request food.
When Taijo came back, the girls looked at him expectantly.
"You guys can safely walk around here. We have about 15 hours of flying. Good thing this plane has more to offer than just food." Taijo clapped his hands, and a slightly big flat-screen TV popped down from the ceiling.
"What are you guys curious about our world? You guys are free to ask me any. If I can answer it to my strength though." Taijo said
The girls looked at each other, unsure where to start.
"Well, if you guys are still deciding on a topic, we might as well start with one that's highly accessible and that I can answer. Let's begin with the Coalition. Yes, the Players Coalition, or PC for short. There are even creative versions like the French 'Coalition des Joueurs,' CDJ. But we opted for English because it felt more 'international.'" Taijo explained.
"As for the name, Players Coalition, the origins of how it was named are a bit of a mystery until we understood why. Well, we 'Players,' whom you're familiar with by our general attire—even off-duty, in all black clothing—give off a mysterious vibe." Taijo continued.
Taijo began detailing the lore of the Players Coalition. It wasn't just the girls who were listening; 3.4 million users were also watching his livestream, a fact the girls were unaware of
"But going back, you can tell if a person is a "Player" or not just by their uniform attire." Taijo then turned on the TV and magically there are pictures on it. Looks like a PowerPoint presentation from an outside perspective
"As you can see on the left of the picture, this is a Russian soldier wearing their EMR camo, and at the bottom is the US uniform, with a desert variant as well. There are the Brits, the Germans, and the French. You can also see the flag patches on both of their arms. On the right, you can see the camo for us Players. It's all black; some have digital or camo designs, but still all black. The same goes for the flag patches, but they can put their clan logo if they are affiliated," Taijo explained.
"Weapons we use vary from country to country. Some of the Eastern Europeans use the AK series like the Russians, Ukrainians, and Belarusians with their AK-12s and AK-74Ms. But the majority of Western countries use weapons with the same standard caliber, the 5.56x45mm. Different gun variants but the same caliber, if I were to put it simply. This logic can also apply to the AK series with their 5.45x39mm bullets," Taijo continued.
"And yes, if we use a gun but the caliber is different, most of the time it won't work. For the small percentage that can shoot, do they really want to risk breaking their precious gun? The majority of players in the Coalition really like their guns and their gun builds. There was even a tournament competition on who has the best-built and well-kitted gun. But there are a few who go by the saying: 'If it shoots and kills, then it works, I don't care that much.' And I may be one of them, but I really like building my guns too."
And to keep it concise, Taijo's knowledge about guns was almost akin to a Texan's, so let's just say the girls, except Lelei, only grasped the importance and roles of each gun, along with their pros and cons.
Meanwhile, Lelei surprised Taijo by pulling out a leather bag filled with notebooks and pens, meticulously writing down everything he said. She even noted the principles and understanding of a bullet, her focus so intense it resembled a high school student learning the complexities of the Pythagorean Theorem at an advanced level.
It's just basic chemical reactions and good engineering, that's how simple it is to understand a bullet.
Then Taijo finished the topic about guns and the Players Coalition and changed the TV to a video.
"You guys are also curious about our tanks, or what you call "iron elephants" or "iron beetles". I'm going to show you a clip of what happens when two of our "tanks" fight." He pressed the remote to start the video player.
The video began with the caption: "Clash of Titans: Germany vs. France - International MilSim Tournament Quarter Finals, 2026-2027. German Leopard 2A7 vs. LeClerc Azur."
Then another caption appeared: "Tank battle face to face near Fléron, Belgium."
Several individual captions popped up:
"German Team Objective: Advance through Fléron and capture Romséé just southwest of Fléron."
"French Team Objective: Defend Romséé because they have a FOB and repair station."
"Around 12:37 PM."
The video then blurred and changed to a scene of a slightly destroyed Fléron. The view shifted to a commentator and spectators flying through the skies, focusing on the advancing Leopard 2A7, commanded by The Ace Leopard. Behind the Leopard were a logistics truck (Logy) and two APCs.
As they reached a roundabout, a tank shot suddenly rang out, hitting the Leopard's front armor but not penetrating it. The Leopard quickly returned fire, hitting the Leclerc's front armor as well.
Suddenly, behind the Leopard, a VCI (Véhicule de Combat d'Infanterie) began shooting, successfully destroying the logistics truck and disabling one of the German APCs. One of the APCs narrowly escaped, driving towards a street called Rue Bouillenne. The troops inside the APCs disembarked, each APC having at least two anti-tank specialists and an ATGM operator with them.
The girls watched in awe at the combat and chaos. There were no infantry formations, no shield walls or spear lines—just explosions and chaos.
"This is the fight between two of my members of my team. Leo in that magnificent Leopard and the LeClerc is commanded by Real. Yes, usually some of our tanks are named after a person or a living thing. Maybe some creative ones like the "Typhoon-class" or the names of flowers. Some do not follow these like the Russian and US ones like for example but it's mostly the russians." Taijo explained
One of the disabled APCs fired back at the VCI. But the focus is shifted to the two tanks which the video changed and the screen split, watching both of the tanks perspective with the people inside speaking in their native language
"Chargez Armor Piercing et visez les plaques frontales inférieures! Il s'agit d'une des premières variantes de Leopard 2!" Real shouted through the radio. (Translate - Load Armor Piercing and aim at the lower frontal plates! It's an early Leopard 2 variant!)
"Ils sont putains d'angle!" the gunner of the Leclerc shouted. (Translate - They are fucking angled!)
"Tirez sur la putain de bonne piste!" Real ordered. (Translate - Shoot the fucking right track!)
"Fusillade!" the gunner confirmed.
‹BOMN!›
The Leclerc shot the right track of the Leopard 2A7, eventually disabling the tank.
Then, on the German side of the radio:
"Sie haben einen unserer Tracks zerstört!" the driver shouted. (Translate - They destroyed one of our tracks!)
"Die können sich mit ihrem beschissenen LeClerc verpissen! Feuer noch mal!" The Ace Leopard ordered. (Translate - They can fuck off with their damn Leclerc! Fire again!)
"Hoch!" shouted the loader. (Translate - Up!)
"Feuer für Effekt!" the gunner confirmed. (Translate - Fire for effect!)
‹BOMN!›
The APFSDS round from the Leopard 2A7 pierced through the front armor of the Leclerc, but the internal armor absorbed it. The Leclerc started backing up.
"Nochmal! Schieße auf die Spuren!" The Ace Leopard ordered. (Translate - Again! Shoot the tracks!")
"Hoch!" the loader shouted
"Unterwegs!" the gunner confirmed
‹BOMN!›
The girls watched in anticipation, wondering which of the iron elephants would win. The method of combat seemed odd to Piña, as both very heavy, heavily armored combat vehicles were shooting at each other face to face without moving. If she had taken into account that both tanks had shot each other's tracks, she would have understood why they weren't moving.
The spectator camera then glanced at the back of the Leopard and saw that the French VCI had been destroyed by the two German APCs. The camera then turned back to the one-on-one tank duel and saw that the engine of the Leclerc was burning.
Suddenly, a shot from the Leopard hit the lower right frontal armor of the Leclerc, eventually striking the ammo rack.
"LeClerc fängt an zu kochen!" the gunner shouted at Leo. (Translate - LeClerc starts cooking!")
"Feuern Sie erneut an der gleichen Stelle!" The Ace Leopard ordered again. (Translate - Fire again at the same spot!) To ensure the LeClerc was fully destroyed, they fired another tank round at the same area, causing a chain reaction and a massive explosion from the LeClerc.
[Leopard 2A7] destroyed [Char LeClerc AZUR series XXI]
"YYYEEEAAAAHHHH!!! Fickt euch, Baguette-Esser! Esst verdammte Scheiße!!" The Ace Leopard shouted at the top of his lungs as the crew of the Leopard celebrated, congratulating each other with "Nice work." (Translate - Fuck you, baguette eaters! Eat fucking shit!)
The dismounted crew saw the Leclerc was destroyed, and some of the combat engineers tried to fix the tracks of the Leopard 2 while providing cover for them and deploying thermal smoke for additional coverage.
The video continued, showing the match's conclusion with the German team winning as they captured the Belgian city of Liège. They were set to face the British in the semi-finals, with the other semifinalists being Russia vs. the US.
"Any questions before moving on to the next video?" Taijo asked.
Unsurprisingly, Lelei raised her hand. "What were they doing? I know it's a tournament, but what are they doing?" she asked.
"Ah, this match. It's the classic Attackers vs. Defenders format. Both teams have three Attacker rounds and three Defender rounds. The Germans won five times against the French, specifically with two Attacker victories and three Defender victories," Taijo explained.
Bozes raised her hand. "Yes..." Taijo pointed.
"I saw that Japan, your country, didn't move to the semi-finals. Isn't your country, like, very strong?" Bozes voiced her curiosity to Taijo.
"Ah, this might be embarrassing to say, but in that season, we made it into the eliminations, but we got smacked by the Russians. We lost three Defender rounds straight, two of them in our backyard. Our only thing good is defending and we lost horribly."
"Wait, hold on, I think I saved the match history on my phone. Let me show it on the TV real quick..." Taijo said, then began searching his gallery.
The TV displayed the match results between Russia and Japan:
Attacker Victory: Japan
Map: Nakhodka, Russia
Attacker Victory: Russia
Map: Sapporo, Japan
Attacker Victory: Russia
Map: Hachinohe, Japan
Defender Victory: Russia
Map: Vladivostok, Russia
Defender Victory: Japan
Map: Pohang, South Korea
Defender Victory: Russia
Map: Tokyo, Japan
"We even lost the match where we defended our capital city. CAPITAL CITY! I don't know if we were incompetent, if it was a skill issue, or if there was even some Russian Bias. But we didn't take note of one thing—the Russians had numerical superiority, but they still got defeated easily in other contexts." Taijo exclaimed
"But we're still salty until the next season when we smacked the Russians again and didn't let them play in the eliminations during the group stage. Our arrogance got to us, though, and we lost to the Italians," Taijo admitted.
Taijo then changed the channel on the TV, showing pictures of Players raising various trophies. Each trophy design varied based on the Player's looks or known hobbies. The girls recognized some familiar faces: SovietWomble, DaizukeTaijo, Rodry Mercury, Haikaku-78, and "The Realist."
"Other than team fights, we also do one-on-one fights. Like in your world, where two warriors duel. Though it's not to the death, we show good sportsmanship," Taijo explained.
"Trophies vary from Player to Player. Rodry, for example, has a trophy with a dragon extending its wings. Mine features two katanas in an X shape. Haikaku's is a nine-tailed fox. There are many variants. For Players who can't decide on a design, their trophy defaults to the standard design, which, in my opinion, isn't bad at all." he added.
"Now that I've explained everything about this tournament and the Players Coalition, any topics you guys want to discuss?" Taijo asked.
Rory raised her hand. "I am curious about the relationship between Humans and Demi-Humans in the Coalition."
Taijo nodded, sensing everyone's curiosity. "The relations between humans and Demi-Humans in the Coalition are very good. Racism is seen as the most looked-down-upon thing we could possibly have. This applies not just to Demi-Humans, but also to human players and soldiers from other nations. We translate racism to 'discriminator,'" Taijo explained.
"It's so looked down upon that even the Military Police would turn a blind eye unless it's too much," Taijo continued. "We're not perfect, and there are still recurring cases, but we sometimes joke around with racism as long as it's not offensive."
"As for Demi-Humans in the army, they have pros and cons. But we can outweigh the cons by placing them in specialized units. For example, the lizard folk are experts in fighting in humid or wet areas like swamps or jungles. Beast folk with thick fur are specialized in warfare in snowy or colder climates. There's a lot of usefulness in them. We aren't so racist as to kill them off indiscriminately," Taijo explained.
Taijo then reflected on what he just said "If a Player's avatar has at least some human features like the face and hands, it's generally okay. But if their avatars have more animal features, discrimination does happen. It's disgusting, and in the worst cases, they're killed on the spot." He sighed, a sigh of relief that he created a world with human-like Demi-Humans.
However, there are still some Players who stubbornly choose avatars with mostly animal features. They're always subject to bullying and indiscriminate spawn killing.
As Taijo finished explaining, he concluded, "That's my simple explanation of our relations with Demi-Humans. I hope I've enlightened some of you on why they're useful in many ways. Just treat them well and enjoy the benefits."
He then told them they should take a break as lunch was about to be served.
After everyone had eaten and settled back into position, Taijo continued educating them on whatever they wanted to ask until the conversation turned to the upcoming meeting.
"The meeting in Berlin will involve every branch leader discussing and debating various topics. This meeting will mainly focus on the GATE. Don't worry, we won't speak ill of your world. We just want to discuss what to do. We weren't expecting you people to be so accommodating, so we're adjusting our plans by holding this meeting." Taijo explained.
"So, you people don't have any plans on invading our realm? Taking gold? Women? Resources? Land?" Piña asked boldly.
"We're not barbaric. The only time we're barbaric to the fullest is when a group is so messed up by normal standards that we don't even give them a chance to explain their stupidity." Taijo answered.
The trip went smoothly, and they arrived in Berlin without any issues. The moment they stepped out of the airport, the scenery impressed the girls with its modern skyscrapers, much like Tokyo.
"It's Oktoberfest here, isn't it?" Taijo asked, taking in the festive atmosphere.
"Seems like it. I can smell the strong alcohol from a distance," SovietWomble responded.
The chilly weather, around 15 degrees Celsius, prompted the group to head to a clothing shop to buy the girls some winter clothing for the duration of their stay. Once properly outfitted, they made their way to a luxurious hotel to rest for the night before the meeting the next day.
The meeting was scheduled to take place in a building constructed by Players, starting at 10 AM. Taijo thought it would be a great idea to introduce the girls to the local culture and festivals of Germany. When Rodry heard of this, he didn't hesitate to send 20 German Players to assist, which caught Taijo off-guard.
Taijo didn't mind Rodry's initiative and reassured the German Players that they could teach and guide the girls whenever they wanted, but emphasized that they were restricted from giving the girls any kind of alcohol without his permission.
The next morning at 9 AM, Taijo got dressed for the meeting. "Alright, guys, this meeting may well end at 3 PM. You can stay here and watch the television. Womble, be a sport and turn on the TV. Channel 666 is where the main Player Coalition TV channel is," Taijo instructed.
"Sure..." Womble responded, glancing through his Twitch revenue.
"Now, I hope you guys will be entertained by the meeting. I'm gonna leave now as someone is waiting for me on the ground level," Taijo said, closing the door of the hotel room. The girls immediately went to the living room where Womble turned on the TV and switched to Channel 666.
The screen displayed a professional-looking broadcast studio with a ticker at the bottom providing updates and news. The main focus of the screen was the upcoming meeting of the Player Coalition, highlighting the key issues to be discussed, including the GATE and relations with the world beyond it.
Piña, Bozes, Lelei, Tuka, Kavrala and Rory watched with interest as the program began. Analysts and commentators provided background information, explaining the significance of the meeting and the various factions within the Player Coalition. Interviews with different leaders and experts offered insights into what might be expected from the discussions.
As Taijo entered the grand building, he was greeted by other branch leaders and representatives. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as everyone took their seats, prepared for a productive and enlightening session.
Meanwhile, back in the hotel, the girls were amazed by the technology that allowed them to see Taijo through the "magical glass" of the TV. They watched as he interacted with other Coalition members, smiling and holding a drink. A loudspeaker announcement called all branch leaders to the meeting area, prompting everyone to stand up.
The meeting began with the leaders swearing to be fair, understanding, and uphold other positive principles. After this formal start, they all sat down, and the session officially commenced.
Chapter Ends